Mail Carrier Found 2 Bodies At Whitemarsh Home: DA

FORT WASHINGTON, PA — The bodies of two elderly individuals were found outside a home on the 500 block of Bethlehem Pike in Whitemarsh by a mail carrier Tuesday, authorities said.

The discovery prompted a massive police response, as SWAT teams, police helicopters, and numerous police cruisers swarmed the area. Local school districts were locked down. No arrests were announced, however, and the all clear was given by 1 p.m.

The bodies were found by the U.S Postal Service worker about 11:09 a.m., the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said. A cause of death has not been released. Autopsies will be performed by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office.

The identities of the individuals were initially withheld but they were later identified as Ross and Rhoda Woodward. According to their obituaries, they had been married 63 years.

The Montgomery County Detective's Bureau's Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is leading the investigation alongside the Whitemarsh Township Police Department.

Local police urged both residents and motorists to avoid the area until the all clear was given.

Upper Dublin School District was locked down during the incident. No one was permitted to enter or leave their schools, Superintendent Steve Yanni said. The lockout was lifted after speaking with police at around 1 p.m.

Nearby, Germantown Academy said that all students and faculty were being kept indoors as the situation was ongoing. The school urged visitors not to come to campus.

Local elementary schools held their recess indoors. Colonial School District issued a statement, saying there was "no immediate concern to the District" and that they would notify parents if afternoon bus routes were impacted.

Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Co. and Whitemarsh Ambulance also responded to the scene.

If you have any information on these deaths, please call Whitemarsh Police at 610-825-6530 or the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at 610-278-3368.

Patch file photo